Notes and Editorial Reviews

To the rockin' rhythm of its Oscar and Tony-nominated top 40 score ( the soundtrack to the movie reached number one on the Billboard charts and has sold over 15 million copies) and augmented with dynamic new songs for the stage musical, FOOTLOOSE celebrates the wisdom of listening to young people, and guiding them with a warm heart and an open mind.

The original 1998 release of Footloose's cast album has been out-of-print since Q Records (the original label) shut down in 2003. Ghostlight Records has stepped in to make the recording available once again, now with some dynamic revisions to its score. The re-release of Footloose features new album artwork by acclaimed Broadway graphic artist Frank “Fraver” Verlizzo, plus aRead more brand-new track – “Still Rockin’” – a song cut from the show in its pre-Broadway run at the Kennedy Center and since reinstated to the score. The song was recorded in 2011 by Footloose original cast member Hunter Foster under the supervision of original musical director, Doug Katsaros, and backed by members of the show’s original orchestra. The album now reflects changes made to the show by the original writers after their lengthy Broadway run and countless productions all over the world — from Kyoto, Japan to Sydney, Australia to Cardiff, Wales.

One of the most explosive movie musicals in recent memory bursts onto the live stage with exhilarating results, in FOOTLOOSE. When Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town, Ren is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school. What he isn't prepared for are the rigorous local edicts, including a ban on dancing instituted by the local preacher, determined to exercise the control over the town's youth that he cannot command in his own home. When the reverend's rebellious daughter sets her sights on Ren, her roughneck boyfriend tries to sabotage Ren's reputation, with many of the locals eager to believe the worst about the new kid. The heartfelt story that emerges is of a father longing for the son he lost and of a young man aching for the father who walked out on him.

Footloose premiered on Broadway in late 1998 and ran for over 700 performances, earning four Tony Award nominations including Best Original Score and Best Book of a Musical, while the Original Cast Recording received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Musical Show Album. Several US national tours followed Broadway, as well as several UK tours and West End engagements. Footloose has been staged all over the world, from Europe to Asia, Africa to Australia. Licensed by R&H Theatricals, Footloose is consistently in the licensing house’s top 10 out of more than 100 offerings, flourishing alongside such perennials as The Sound of Music and Oklahoma! In Dramatics Magazine’s most recent survey, Footloose was in the top 5 roster of most-produced musicals in high schools across America.Read less